Your Perimenopause Handbook

Instead of Sneezy, Sleepy and Happy, you’re living with Bloaty, Headachy and Hot Flashy. Our guide explains how to handle what’s going on

by Stacey Colino

Photograph: Illustrated by Eduardo Recife

At this point in their lives, many women experience what’s referred to as postmenopausal zest. This new energy and clarity partly stems from the absence of perimenopausal symptoms; you’ll feel better than you have in years. But there’s more going on, experts say. Notes OB-GYN Christiane Northrup, author of The Wisdom of Menopause: “Our bodies, minds and lives are set up so our best times start after 50.” Give yourself permission to explore who you are and how you want to live during the next chapter of your life. “It’s time to start putting yourself first,” Northrup says.